Berkeley, Oakland (Bay Area)

classes: Cooking • Baking and Desserts

MEET CHEF TRACI

I want a world where it’s easy to join together with family, friends, colleagues and enjoy a shared meal. (Yep, everyone eating the same—or almost the same—dish, and sharing in the same, amazing flavors.) And, I see dietary restrictions as an opportunity for inclusivity and creativity.

Eating is sociable. I want entertaining to become a joy again (or something you’d even consider) because you’ve got a simple, go-to method—and the tips, tools, and inspiration—to prepare a delicious shared meal. I also want regular weekday cooking for yourself, family or friends to feel doable and fun.

How I choose to keep learning as a chef is intentional, and part of my mission of inclusivity and creativity. For me, there is no greater inspiration than taking a private class from a fellow chef or home cook when I’m traveling, whether to Belize, Mexico, Thailand, or New York or New Orleans. There’s nothing that can replace the conversation and conviviality of being in a chef’s kitchen, and learning in a hands-on, interactive way where recipes, tips, philosophy, and story blend together beautifully. In our new world, we need everyone’s ideas, and everyone deserves a meaningful seat at the table.

My own love affair with the kitchen goes way back. I remember the day I got my Easy Bake Oven at age 5, and got right to work making up my own cake batters and recipes. I’ve been inventing in the kitchen ever since. It’s where I feel most creative, and at home.

And that’s what I want for you. The biggest compliment: when I hear back from participants in my team buildings and wellness programs that they felt empowered to take what they learned, and cook it immediately (sometimes that very weekend) for friends or for a family celebration.

Classes